Top Ten Things to Do in South Devon When the Weather Turns Wet

We all dream of sunny coastal walks, ice creams by the sea, and lazy afternoons on the beach during a South Devon escape. But sometimes the English weather has other ideas. Don’t worry, a rainy day doesn’t mean your holiday is a washout. South Devon is full of cosy hideaways, fascinating attractions, and family-friendly activities that make grey skies a perfect excuse to explore a different side of our beautiful region.

Here are our top 10 recommendations for rainy day fun in South Devon:

1. Step Back in Time at Local Museums

South Devon is rich in history, and a rainy day is the perfect chance to discover it. Explore the Dartmouth Museum for a glimpse into the town’s maritime past, wander through Totnes Museum housed in an Elizabethan merchant’s house, or visit Brixham Heritage Museum and Brixham Battery Museum to uncover the fishing town’s fascinating past and military history. For families, Torquay’s Dinosaur World is always a hit with little explorers.

2. Visit Aquariums & Wildlife Centres

Stay dry while exploring the underwater and animal worlds. The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, the UK’s largest, is perfect for a rainy day. Paignton Zoo and Dartmoor Zoo both offer plenty of indoor habitats and animal encounters to enjoy if the weather isn’t on your side. For something a little different, visit Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Buckfast Butterfly Farm to wander among exotic butterflies and otters, and learn about and see these fascinating creatures up close.

3. Enjoy a Cosy Café Crawl

Rain is the perfect excuse to slow down and sample South Devon’s thriving café scene. The region is packed with independent coffee shops and tearooms where you can linger over a traditional Devon cream tea (cream first, of course!)

4. Explore Arts, Galleries & Creative Workshops

South Devon has a creative spirit that shines whatever the weather. Cockington Court is home to a cluster of craft studios where you can watch glassblowers, blacksmiths, and potters at work, or even try your hand at a workshop. Elsewhere, the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey showcases contemporary art and craft, while smaller galleries across Dartmouth and Salcombe are ideal for browsing.

5. Family Fun Indoors

For families, there are plenty of ways to keep little ones entertained. Woodlands Family Theme Park has huge indoor play zones, and iBounce Trampoline Park in Newton Abbot is great for burning off energy. Explore the prehistoric world at Kents Cavern in Torquay, a fascinating network of caves with guided tours and hands-on activities for children. For water lovers, Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay offers a fun indoor swimming experience with flumes and wave machines. Many local farms also cater brilliantly for rainy days, with indoor play areas, shops, and cosy cafés to enjoy. Occombe Farm near Paignton and Ullacombe Farm on the edge of Dartmoor are just two fantastic options where families can combine animal encounters with indoor fun. And if you fancy some classic entertainment, bowling alleys across the region, such as Torquay’s Hollywood Bowl, are perfect for all ages.

6. Make a Splash at Quaywest

If you don’t mind getting wet, Splashdown Quaywest in Paignton is a waterpark with thrilling slides and pools. Perfect for a sunny or drizzly day alike, it’s a fantastic way to have fun outdoors while embracing the elements (seasonal opening).

7. Visit the Piers

When the rain eases, take a stroll along Paignton Pier or Teignmouth Grand Pier. Both offer traditional seaside entertainment with arcades, food stalls, and covered amusements that are perfect for a drizzly day.

8. Take a Trip on the Steam Train

There’s something magical about hopping aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway on a grey day. Travel in vintage style from Paignton to Kingswear, with views of the River Dart and countryside rolling by from the comfort of your carriage.

9. Catch a Show or Movie

If the weather keeps you indoors, enjoy some entertainment at local cinemas and theatres. Torbay’s Vue Cinema and Teignmouth Pavilions show the latest films, while theatres such as Torquay’s Princess Theatre, Palace Theatre in Paignton and Babbacombe Theatre offer a variety of performances throughout the year, from drama and comedy to family-friendly shows.

10. Indoor Fun for Adults & Teens

For older kids and adults, South Devon has plenty of options to enjoy a rainy day indoors. Test your wits in escape rooms, have fun at Battle Bars like Viva in Torquay or Boom Battle Bar in Exeter. Alternatively you could cosy up in one of the region’s pubs and gastropubs, many of which offer board games, live music, and hearty meals, the perfect way to embrace a wet afternoon.

Make Rainy Days Part of the Adventure

And finally… don’t rule out getting outside! South Devon’s coastline is dramatic and beautiful in all weathers. Grab your waterproofs and take a windswept walk along the South West Coast Path. You’ll be rewarded with wild seascapes and (usually) fewer crowds. Warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate in a beachside café or a warming glass of wine in a country pub.

When you stay with Saltwater Escapes, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy everything South Devon has to offer, rain or shine. From cosy cottages where you can curl up with a book, to family-friendly homes close to indoor and outdoor attractions, our holiday lets make the perfect base for exploring in all weathers.

After all, a little rain is just part of the charm of an English seaside holiday!